It is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups impede individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
